The award was announced April 12. Thomas, who specializes in international politics and security issues, will assist in shaping Belgrade's year-old Security Studies postgraduate program, among other tasks.

The J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board is composed of 12 members who have been approved by the U.S. president. Thomas' grant to travel to Serbia and Montenegro will come from funds annually appropriated by the U.S. Congress as well as partner countries and the private sector.